Forensic psychiatry, a subspecialty of psychiatry, is the field of professional study that properly establishes and interprets mental health (neuropsychiatric) evidence before courts of law and administrative bodies. The usefulness of forensic psychiatry is maintained only as long as it is applicable and suitable to the work of courts and administrative bodies.

Forensic psychiatrists are practitioners of forensic psychiatry; they are obligated to conform to the guidelines and ethical principles maintained by psychiatry and the duties required by law.